• Commission elects new steering committee for two-year term
• Emirates Islamic CEO Jamal Bin Ghalaita appointed to ICC Banking Commission’s Executive Committee 

Dubai, UAE, March 21, 2017:  The International Chamber of Commerce UAE chapter’s (ICC-UAE) Commission on Banking recently held a meeting in Dubai, where its members approved the ICC-UAE’s programme of action for 2017.

During the event, plans and objectives for 2017 were presented and discussed, while members elected a new steering committee for a two-year term. 

In his opening speech, Mr. Hassan Al Hashemi, Secretary General of ICC-UAE, highlighted the ICC’s mission to promote trade, investment and the market economy, and expressed his view that trade is a driving force behind peace. 

Mr. Al Hashemi revealed that the ICC-UAE’s plan for 2017 is based on its vision, as well as the recommendations from the Chairman and Board of Directors of the ICC–UAE, and the Chair of the Commission. He revealed that many important projects would be launched in the near future that will enable the commission to play an important role in facilitating global trade.

The UAE Chapter of the ICC plays an active role in addressing the challenges of the private sector and developing strategies that stimulate business growth, Mr. Al Hashemi explained. He emphasised the ICC-UAE’s commitment to supporting the local business community and creating a favourable environment where companies can further develop and flourish.

The commission congratulated Jamal Bin Ghalaita, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Islamic, on his appointment to the ICC Banking Commission’s Executive Committee. He was also named Co-Chair of the ICC Regional Banking Commission MENA, a joint initiative of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Banking Commission of the ICC.

Bin Ghalaita will lead a dedicated steering committee of industry experts with the aim of enhancing the use of both conventional and Islamic trade finance across the MENA region. 

Commenting on his appointment, Bin Ghalaita said: “I am very happy to join the leadership team of the ICC Banking Commission. It reflects the increasing importance of Islamic trade finance in facilitating trade across the globe, particularly in the context of the emerging halal economy. Islamic finance is making its mark through product and service innovation and I am excited to contribute to its progress and development.”

The ICC Banking Commission is the world’s essential rule-making body for the international banking and trade finance industry with 80 years of experience and more than 600 members in over 100 countries. It is the largest commission within the ICC, and is considered to be the most authoritative voice in the field of trade finance.

Established in 2004, the ICC-UAE Chapter represents the commercial, industrial and business enterprises in the country at a global level, and promotes the scope and reach of the UAE business community around the world.